"Hard to say."
Li Taiqing frowned, feeling that Han Xuanji probably wouldn't meddle in others' business.
Su Ming agreed wholeheartedly and said,
"Senior Brother Han already told Brother Lu about the dangers of this trip, so he probably won't interfere."
After speaking, he added,
"But if Lu Fan really gets into trouble, I don't think Senior Brother would just stand by."
He almost died back then and was saved by Han Xuanji. He felt that although Han Xuanji was low-key to the point of being somewhat indifferent, he was not a heartless person.
He would help with what he could.
"No matter what, I hope this kid Lu Fan doesn't forget his original intention."
Jiang Hao sighed with emotion.
He came from a prominent family and, after a series of events, was more sensitive to changes in people's hearts.
Even Little White, who was dozing, perked up his ears, a hint of surprise flashing in his golden eyes.
He hadn't expected Lu Fan to make such a name for himself.
He had thought the other party would quickly return in disgrace, as the Immortal Realm had Prodigies like clouds, unlike the Lower Realm.
However, Little White wasn't envious and grumbled,
"Why does this kid have to suffer like this?"
But then he thought that if Lu Fan became the Human Emperor, Han Xuanji would be the Human Emperor's teacher, and he, as the Human Emperor's teacher's spiritual pet, felt that this status wasn't bad either.
It's worth mentioning that after a hundred years, Little White finally achieved a Breakthrough to the True Immortal Realm, but he found that he couldn't keep up with the others at all. Little Gold was almost at the True Immortal Realm Late Stage, and the others were even charging towards the Mystic Immortal Realm, which made him want to give up again.
Han Xuanji naturally didn't bother to Cultivate his ambition and let him develop as he pleased.
However, Little Gold's performance made him quite satisfied. He cultivated diligently almost every day and did not slack off due to his powerful talent. For this, he even specially bestowed many treasures as rewards.
Han Xuanji heard everyone's discussions and was not surprised.
All of this was almost identical to the information in the simulation, but others didn't know that even the Sect was alarmed.
Because they all knew Lu Fan's identity: he was Han Xuanji's disciple.
Lingxu Heavenly Palace had also asked Han Xuanji for his opinion.
And Han Xuanji naturally had no opinion; he never intended to participate in it. What good was the Human Emperor's position?
He already knew from the future that Lu Fan could easily become the Human Emperor, with the help of the Heavenly Emperor.
To put it bluntly, although the Human Race was favored by Humanitys Fortune, Humanitys Fortune had long declined and was no longer comparable to the past. It was no longer possible to be on equal footing with the Heavenly Emperor and could only serve as a pawn for the Heavenly Emperor.
This relationship between the two made some people in the Sect have other thoughts. If Lu Fan could become the Human Emperor, Lingxu Heavenly Palace might advance further.
However, a large number of people were not happy, after all, the struggle for the Human Emperor involved too much. If they were not careful, even Lingxu Heavenly Palace would not dare to invest easily.
In the end, it was a Grand Old Ancestor of Lingxu Heavenly Palace who made the final decision: to wait and see.
They would not support others, nor would they strongly support Lu Fan, as Lu Fan's current performance was still not enough for Lingxu Heavenly Palace to go all in.
Of course, Han Xuanji was, after all, a Dao Son of the Sect, and the Sect expressed that it would give Lu Fan more attention and support as appropriate.
Inside the Myriad Phenomena Garden.
Everyone had been discussing for a long time.
Su Ming fanned himself with a folding fan and summarized,
"Nowadays, outside, when people mention Lu Fan, who comes from our Lingxu Heavenly Palace, who doesn't praise him as a rising star? They all say that although he doesn't come from the same background as those ancient clan direct descendants, his potential is boundless, and he is a dark horse not to be underestimated!"
Everyone discussed animatedly, genuinely happy about Lu Fan's achievements, but also subtly feeling a sense of pressure.
As people who came from the Myriad Phenomena Garden, Lu Fan was already shining on a broader stage, and they naturally didn't want to fall behind.
"Senior Brother Li, I have comprehended a new sword technique. Let's have a match."
Nangong Wenjian's eyes flashed with brilliance.
"Hmm."
Li Taiqing nodded, his Battle Intent also ignited.
Seeing the two sword fanatics start their match again, Little White shook his head and lay down under the dragon blood profound yellow tree, closing his eyes.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Deep within the Human Emperor Palace, in a secret hall not open to the public.
Chu Wuya stood with his hands behind his back. His figure was tall and straight, his face handsome, but the youthful sharpness of a Prodigy in his brows had receded, replaced by a deep, unfathomable tranquility, and eyes that held the wisdom and indifference of countless eons.
The memories of the Saint Emperor were constantly merging with his current consciousness, causing his perspective on worldly affairs to have long transcended the scope of ordinary Prodigies.
Footsteps sounded from behind him, light and rhythmic, carrying absolute reverence.
"Your Majesty."
Three figures appeared silently in the hall, bowing respectfully.
Of these three, one was a masked youth in black, whose aura was as deep as the sea. He was Chu Ying, the head of the Great Chu Divine Dynasty's secret guards, and a descendant of Chu Wuya's close friend from yesteryear.
Another was a scholar with a refined face but eyes as sharp as an eagle. This was Wen Zhong, Chu Wuya's chief strategist.
The last was a beautiful woman in palace attire, still full of charm, named Zhou You, who managed Chu Wuya's most secret intelligence network.
They were all Chu Wuya's absolute confidants, even privy to his secret of being a Saint Emperor's Reincarnation, and they were his assistants in carrying out all his plans.
Chu Wuya did not turn around, his voice calm and unruffled, yet carrying an unquestionable authority:
"You're all here. Tell me, are the others behaving themselves these days?"
Wen Zhong stepped forward and respectfully reported:
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the one from the Eastern Hua Immortal Domain recently obtained an ancient Legacy in the desolate region, and his influence has grown even stronger, with his supporters increasing.
The one from the Zhang family of Northern Ming seems to have reached some agreement with an ancient existence in Northern Ming, and his Luck shows signs of flourishing.
And the last person, from Lingxu Heavenly Palace, seems to have no background; he should be a lucky one chosen by the Heavenly Dao. He has caused quite a stir recently and is worth watching."
"Hmm."
Chu Wuya nodded.
Zhou You interjected, her voice soft and alluring yet tinged with coldness:
"Your Majesty, some ancient aristocratic families and Sects that were originally neutral or ambiguous in their stance have been frequenting each other recently, seemingly observing Your Majesty and waiting for the right price."
Upon hearing this, Chu Wuya's lips curved into an almost imperceptible arc, a confident smile that everything was under control.
"The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease. The position of Human Emperor involves too much; some are unwilling to be lonely, some want to profit from others' struggles, all within expectation."
He slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over his three confidants. His gaze was calm, yet it made the three of them feel a chill in their hearts, as if it could penetrate all disguises and see the essence.
"Since this Emperor has returned, this position cannot be usurped by others. These minor clowns are not worth worrying about, but they must not be allowed to grow too powerful, adding unnecessary variables, especially with the Ancient Trial Path about to open..."
"Your Majesty, do you need your subordinate to send people..."
Chu Ying spoke in a deep, slightly hoarse voice.
He made an obscure gesture, the meaning self-evident.
Chu Wuya did not speak, but nodded slightly.
"These Human Emperor Candidates who have not yet risen, and those who are wavering, all need to be dealt with."
"It must be covert; our identities must not be exposed."
A fierce glint flashed in Chu Wuya's eyes.
According to the rules, since the nine Human Emperor Candidates have been chosen, the Human Emperor will be born from among them, and there will be no other variables.
He failed in his bid for Human Emperor back then because he underestimated one person, who rose rapidly, leading to his defeat.
This time, he would never repeat the same mistake.
"As you command."
Chu Ying cupped his fists.
Wen Zhong wanted to speak to dissuade him, but Zhou You stopped him.
She knew that this was Chu Wuya's decision and would not be changed by others, nor would it be allowed to be changed.